CANTON, GA — A Cherokee County jury has convicted a 64-year-old man on 18 charges involving the sexual abuse of a young girl.

John David Elrod was found guilty of charges including rape, child molestation and cruelty to children.

Canton police began investigating the case in 2018, when the girl, who was 9 years old at the time, told her mother that a family friend had been sexually abusing her for three years.

Authorities said the girl provided details about abuse that began when she was 6 years old.

During the four-day trial, jurors heard testimony from the victim, family friends and medical professionals. Elrod also testified in his own defense.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Elrod guilty on all 18 counts.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons and Michelle Wright contributed to this story.